Farmers already cutting emissions without ETS - Read more »

ACC levy shocker will hurt farming - Read more »

Transpower appeal would be fruitless - Read more »

To view the full list of media releases or to view any other publications, click here.

2010 Nuffield scholars announced - The New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholars for 2010 were announced on Tuesday night in front of their peers and industry leaders. The successful applicants for 2010 are Paul McGill, Federated Farmers Wairarapa Grain & Seed chairperson, of Mayfield, Masterton, Desiree Reid, owner of a 132ha dairy farm at Winchester, South Canterbury and elected shareholder on the Fonterra Shareholders Council and Ian Knowles, the current Director of Farms at Telford Rural Polytechnic in Southland.

Bay of Plenty catch up - Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty is holding their regional meeting at the Te Puke Club from 9.30am Wednesday, 4 November. They have an exciting line-up of speakers, including the Hon Bill English and Tauranga MP, Simon Bridges. Later in the morning Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty policy advisor, Hilary Walker, will be talking about what she's been busy working on. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided. For more information, please contact Bay of Plenty administrative assistant, Kim Cawte, on 07 578 5039.

Waikato throws their hat in the ETS ring - Federated Farmers Waikato has submitted on the Climate Change Response (Moderated Emissions Trading) Amendment Bill, highlighting that agricultural methane and nitrous oxide should be exempt from an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Concerns were raised that the only option to reduce agricultural emissions seemed to be de-stocking, which would severely impact on individual farm viability as well as the Waikato regional economy, which is heavily reliant on dairying.

South Korea comes to the Waikato - Federated Farmers Waikato hosted a group of South Korean farmers during their agricultural tour of New Zealand. During his presentation, Waikato Federated Farmers president, Stew Wadey, discussed the vital role of Federated Farmers, the importance of New Zealand agriculture to our national economy and feeding the growing global population. Stew commented that although different languages are spoken, a global relationship is imperative, as all farmers around the world have their hands in the soil and share the same central goals.

Roll up, roll up - Six field days are to be held across Waikato, Gisborne-Wairoa and Hauraki-Coromandel throughout November, addressing daily management issues, demonstrating how to implement hassle-free effluent systems and how to maximise the potential of effluent and let it pay dividends for the farm business. The field days will take place in Reporoa, West Hamilton, Te Aroha, Hauraki Plains, Piopio and Matamata and are proudly hosted by Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Environment Waikato and Fonterra. The events are a perfect chance for farmers to learn some practical tips on good practice of on-farm nutrient management. For more information, call Waikato Federated Farmers president, Stew Wadey, on 027 277 9996 or 07 888 1808.

Be heard in Taupo - Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo is gearing up for the Taupo District Council hearings on plan change 24. This plan change deals with landscape and natural values and Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo is opposing the protection of rural landscapes for amenity, as it fails to recognise that rural areas are working landscapes and have already been modified. The province will also be advocating for economic incentives to be available for landowners protecting sites on their land.  Federated Farmers will be heard at 12:30pm Thursday, 29 October at the Taupo District Council chambers.

Taonui Basin update - Horizons Regional Council hearing for consent to divert floodwaters into the Taonui Basin has been set, from 4 to 6 November 2009. Manawatu/Rangitikei Federated Farmers met with Horizons staff, where an offer of monetary compensation for affected landowners and the option to stopbank basin C were tabled.  However, the member in basin C is yet to receive confirmation that council intend to continue with the stopbanking offer or not. Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei has written a letter reminding council that it is in their interest to ensure landowners feel well informed and are included during this resource consent process.

Inflation lowest in five years - Annual inflation is the lowest it has been in five and a half years. According to Statistics New Zealand, the consumer price index (CPI) increased 1.7 percent in the year to September 2009. The most significant upward contributions came from food, housing and household utilities and transport costs were the only group to decrease. The year has also seen higher prices for the purchase of second-hand cars (up 12.9 percent), electricity (up 4.5 percent) and local authority rates and payments (up 6.6 percent). However, these were partly offset by lower prices for petrol (down 19 percent), international air transport (down 15.1 percent), diesel (down 38.8 percent) and overseas package holidays (down 11.9 percent).

Agribusiness review - Rabobank's specialist Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) division has just released the October issue of the New Zealand & Australia agribusiness review, with commentary on the regions economic and agricultural conditions. If you would like to read the full report, please click here.

Agribiz - For the latest market update from Westpac's economics team, including the outlook for dairy, beef and lamb, please click here.

Make your levy vote count - DairyNZ elections close at noon on Thursday, 22 October. The Federated Farmers Dairy section urges you to have your say by voting. There are a record number of candidates for you to choose from and it is very simple to vote. Simply click here to visit the election page of the DairyNZ website.

Ellesmere Show - Federated Farmers North Canterbury field officer, Jasmine Hale, will be at the Ellesmere Show this Saturday, 17 October at the Avon City Ford site from 9am to 3pm. She would love to see you there, so please stop by for a chat, introduce yourself and have a look at the superb range of Ford vehicles. There will be some great deals available for Federated Farmers members. Jasmine will also be giving away spot prizes to members throughout the day and any new members signed up on the day will receive a gift from Federated Farmers.

Bee at Ellesmere - Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group would also like to encourage all members in the area to come along and learn more about bees. The main tent at the show features a fantastic display by local beekeepers, with loads of information and viewings of the pollination documentary by Dr Linda Newstrom-Lloyd, of Landcare Research.

National Council meeting - The Federated Farmers National Council meeting will be held from 18 to 19 November at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. The cocktail function will be held in the Deloitte Gallery of the Westpac Stadium on 18 November from 6pm. Accommodation is available for attendees of both the council meeting and the cocktail function at the Kingsgate Hotel, Hawkestone Street, Wellington, where Federated Farmers have managed to obtain free parking. For more information or to register for either event, please contact events co-ordinator, Eva Johnston, on 0800 FARMING (327 646) or by clicking here. The Federated Farmers National Council meeting is sponsored by Westpac.

Big Game Council consultation - The consultation meeting held this week with The Big Game Council has enabled Federated Farmers to gain a better understanding of the purpose of the proposed council. Federated Farmers has until 23 November to submit feedback on the proposed purpose and structure of the council. Any comments should be sent to policy advisor, Shona Sluys, by clicking here. Two further public meetings are still to be held on the Big Game Council at:

• Dunedin. 7pm, 19 October, Pacific Park Hotel, 22-24 Wallace Street.
• Christchurch. 7pm, 20 October, Christchurch Richmond Workingmen's Club, 75 London Street, Richmond.

Climate change, trade and agriculture - All members are invited to hear Minister of Trade, the Hon Tim Groser speak at the Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre council meeting on Wednesday, 4 November 2009. The Minister will be speaking on Climate change, trade and agriculture - possible implications for farmers, which will be followed by a question and answer session. This is a hugely important topic for farmers, so we urge both Meat & Fibre members and other industry members to come along and hear Minister Groser speak. Afternoon tea will also be provided. To RSVP, or to view the full council agenda, please click here. If you have any queries, please contact events coordinator, Eva Johnston. Please click here to email her or phone 0800 FARMING (327 646).

Undercover Kids - A reminder that there are only two weeks left to nominate a deserving community or school for an Undercover Kids bus shelter. These shelters are a godsend to rural kids, providing them with greater safety and visibility as well as much needed protection from the elements. There are three shelters that do not yet have homes, so if you would like to nominate a deserving community or school, simply fill out the application form by clicking here. Applications close 31 October.

Resource compliance - Have you looked at your resource consent lately?  Do your systems comply?  It is important that your workers understand what is required, so take the time to sit down with all your staff and explain what they need to do. For more information on compliance requirements, please contact your local dairy chairperson by clicking here.

Marlborough Chardonnay and Pinot Gris - Wines Online have Lawson's Dry Hills export labelled 2007 Chardonnay, for $7.95 and 2008 Pinot Gris, for $10.95. As always, Wines Online have great wines at great prices, with free rural delivery. Check out the full range by clicking here.

Applications open for 2009 - New Zealand wage and salary earners can now check if they are eligible for a 2009 tax refund. Get a free, no obligation tax refund estimate online by clicking here. Conditions apply.

Holiday in style - Smiths City has the Coleman ‘Kaimai', 2 room family tent, in durable canvas for $1399.99, a saving of $300. For information call 0800 SMITHS or visit a Smiths City store near you. Offer available while stocks last.

Get an understanding of resource management law - Open Polytechnic's Certificate in Environmental Management will teach you about resource management law, other resource use and conservation statutes and the principles of environmental monitoring and management. For more information, click here or call 0508 650 200. Remember, Federated Farmers members get a 20 percent discount. Click here to download an enrolment form.

More members benefits and offers - To view special discounts exclusive to Federated Farmers members, please call 0800 327 646 or click here to log onto our members only area. 

Leasing stock? - Make sure you always document each party's obligations in a robust legal agreement, a handshake or a sheet of paper is not enough, particularly if disputes arise. Our legal advice team are receiving increasing amounts of calls on issues over stock leasing where animals are not returned in fit and proper condition. To order your stock lease agreement please call 0800 327 646 or click here. Agreements are $45 for members or $150 for non-members. This price gives you two agreements, as well as the peace of mind that your interests are documented.

Employment guidelines - Federated Farmers has a number of guides that aim to help employers understand the law relating to disciplinary action, including dismissals, redundancy and inability to work because of illness. Getting it wrong can be costly both in time and money, so get it right by getting the facts. To see the range, please click here.

Contracts, agreements and leases - These include land, stock, contractor, sales and purchase, agreement to grow, log books, access pads, Over Dimension Certificates and employment. Remember, it's a legal requirement to have an employment contract for EVERY employee so if you don't have a current employment agreement, then order one now. Contracts, agreements and leases are available in both electronic and hard copy formats for your convenience. To purchase, call 0800 FARMING or click here.

Quote of the week - "It's moments like these you need Minties!" Something that sums up Thursday's Select Committee on the Climate Change Response (Moderated Emissions Trading) Amendment Bill.